Deuteronomy 18:18-19
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The verse emphasizes that God doesn't just send words, but He actively puts them into the prophet's mouth. This isn't just about receiving information; it's about direct divine impartation, highlighting the prophet's role as a mouthpiece for God's very own speech. This intimate connection means the prophet speaks not his own ideas, but God's commands in their entirety.
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After warning Israel against pagan divination practices, God reassures them that He will provide His own divine communication channel through a future prophet. This prophet, who will be like Moses and speak God's very words, is presented as the ultimate means by which God will reveal His will to His people, ensuring they always have access to His truth.
Ever feel like you're struggling to hear God's voice amidst the noise? Moses felt it too, and God responded with an incredible promise.
In Deuteronomy 18:18, God doesn't just give commands; He gives a personal promise. After the Israelites were terrified by God's voice at Mount Sinai (as mentioned in the previous verses), they asked Moses to be their intermediary. God heard their request and promised, 'I will raise up for them a prophet like you.'
This wasn't just a general statement about prophets; it was a specific assurance that God would continue to communicate directly with His people through a chosen messenger. This prophet would be 'like Moses,' a leader, a mediator, and a divine mouthpiece. This promise addresses a deep human need: to know God's will clearly and reliably, not through fear, but through a trusted voice.
What makes a true prophet? It's not just about speaking; it's about whose words are being spoken.
The verse clearly states, 'And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.' This is crucial. The authority of this future prophet doesn't come from himself; it comes directly from God.
Ask a follow-up
Was this promise just for Moses' time, or does it extend beyond? The Bible gives us a powerful answer.
While the immediate context points to God providing prophets throughout Israel's history to guide them, the ultimate fulfillment of 'a prophet like you' points to Jesus Christ.
Understand the original words
nabi' · Hebrew Noun
An inspired spokesperson for God who receives direct revelation and communicates it to the people, acting as a mediator of God's will.
shama' · Hebrew Verb
To pay attention with the intent to obey; in a biblical context, it implies hearing God’s voice and responding with submission and action.
shem · Hebrew Noun
The revealed authority or character of God; to speak in His name is to claim divine authorization and accuracy in delivering His message.
darash · Hebrew Verb
To hold someone accountable or to demand an accounting for an action; in this context, it signifies divine judgment or legal reckoning for disobedience.
Philip says to Nathanael, 'We have found him of whom Moses wrote in the Law and also the prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.'
Acts 3:22Peter directly quotes this passage in Deuteronomy, applying it to Jesus and calling Him the Prophet that God promised to raise up.
Hebrews 1:1-2This passage contrasts God speaking in the past through various prophets with how He now speaks through His Son, highlighting Jesus' ultimate prophetic authority.
Matthew 17:5During the transfiguration, a voice from heaven says, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him,' echoing the command to listen to the promised Prophet.
gillDeuteronomy 18:18: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."
I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee,.... So that it seems this promise or prophecy was first made at Mount Sinai, but now renewed and repeated, and which is nowhere else recorded; see Deuteronomy 18:15 when they were not only made easy for the present by appointing Moses t…
pooleDeuteronomy 18:18: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."
Will put my words in his mouth; will instruct him what to say, reveal myself and my will to him. He shall speak unto them all that I shall command him; he will faithfully execute the office and trust I commit him.
The verse emphasizes that God doesn't just send words, but He actively puts them into the prophet's mouth. This isn't just about receiving information; it's about direct divine impartation, highlighting the prophet's role as a mouthpiece for God's very own speech. This intimate connection means the prophet speaks not his own ideas, but God's commands in their entirety.
After warning Israel against pagan divination practices, God reassures them that He will provide His own divine communication channel through a future prophet. This prophet, who will be like Moses and speak God's very words, is presented as the ultimate means by which God will reveal His will to His people, ensuring they always have access to His truth.
After warning Israel against pagan divination practices, God reassures them that He will provide His own divine communication channel through a future prophet. This prophet, who will be like Moses and speak God's very words, is presented as the ultimate means by which God will reveal His will to His people, ensuring they always have access to His truth.
"I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I mysel…" — The verse emphasizes that God doesn't just send words, but He actively puts them into the prophet's mouth. This isn't just about receiving information; it's about direct divine impartation, highl…
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Last reviewed October 2026
